Ŝkoda shows concept of electric and partly autonomous car

Automaker Ŝkoda unveils its first electric concept car: the Vision E. The concept is a five-door SUV model that can drive autonomously under certain conditions. By 2025, Ŝkoda aims to have five electric models in different segments in its range.

According to Škoda, the electric SUV has a power of 225 kW, a top speed of 180 km/h and a range of up to 500 km. The Vision E concept is 4.6 meters long, 1.9 meters wide and 1.6 meters high. The car contains two electric motors that drive all four wheels. The power can be divided between the front and rear axles to influence the driving characteristics.

According to Škoda, the Vision E can drive autonomously at level 3. This means that the car can drive completely independently in traffic jams and that an autopilot function is available for highways, where the car is kept in the lane. The autopilot is also able to overtake and search for free parking spaces, and then park independently.

Škoda will show the concept at the Shanghai Motor Show, which will take place from 19 to 28 April. The brand says it will offer five electric models in different segments by 2025. In 2019, Škoda will introduce a hybrid version of its Superb sedan and in 2020 the first production model with an all-electric powertrain will be launched on the market. Škoda is developing the electric cars on the basis of the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform.